NMN, NR, NAD+: Their Connection & How They Promote Longevity

Medicine and science are constantly in search of the “cure” to aging. And although researchers may not have found a way to stop time from taking its eventual toll, there have been incredible breakthroughs in anti-aging and longevity science due to certain molecules that promote cellular health and youthful cellular function.

‍

NAD+ is one of these compounds, and is becoming increasingly popular in the health and wellness world.

‍

What Is NAD+?

‍

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and this coenzyme reacts with oxygen in every cell of the body, specifically in the mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for the production of ATP (energy) but unfortunately, the health of our mitochondria decreases with age due to a variety of factors, stress being one of them.

‍

We know now that as we age, our levels of NAD+ decline, which results in signs of aging due to cellular dysfunction. In fact, we lose approximately 40% of our NAD+ by age 40. This is one of the main reasons we feel increasingly tired and sluggish as we age: our cells simply have less energy to function properly.

‍

With the role of NAD+ in regards to our cellular health becoming more well-known and understood, researchers are considering ways in which we can improve NAD+ levels to promote our vitality and longevity.

‍

There are several studies that show increasing the levels of the precursor to NAD+, NMN, can boost our overall sense of health and have profound anti-aging effects.

‍

What Is NMN?

‍

NMN stands for nicotinamide mononucleotide and is a molecule that naturally occurs in all living beings. Because NMN is the direct precursor of NAD+, it is considered a key component to increase NAD+ levels in cells.

‍

NMN vs. NR

‍

NR, or nicotinamide riboside (NR), is another precursor to NAD+. Although there is some disagreement about which precursor is the more effective, a variety of studies find that NMN is the superior compound when aiming to increase NAD+ levels in humans.

‍

This is likely due to the fact that NMN is the immediate precursor to NAD+ while NR requires enzymatic conversion to NMN before it can be converted to NAD+.

‍

There have been more studies on NR than NMN, but nearly all 11 studies on NR failed to show any benefits in humans (with one potential exception being a 2021 study that showed a slight reduction in a single inflammatory marker).

‍

In contrast, studies considering the benefits of NMN show promising results. A 2021 study found that after ten weeks of NMN supplementation in pre-diabetic women, participants experienced a significant improvement in their insulin sensitivity (25 ± 7%), which was followed by approximately 10% weight loss in the subjects. Researchers concluded that NMN supplementation was able to boost the metabolic health of these pre-diabetic women by increasing NAD+ levels.  

‍

Unfortunately, NR did not have the same effect. In randomized controlled trials that considered NR’s effect on insulin sensitivity over a 12 week period, there was no notable benefit. It is also important to note that these studies even used a higher dose of NR than NMN (2000 mg compared to 250 mg in some cases).

‍

The discrepancy between these two NAD+ precursors seemingly does not end with insulin sensitivity. NMN has also been shown to enhance aerobic capacity in amateur runners, according to a randomized, double-blind study. This 2021 study concluded that NMN improved the ventilatory threshold, even among young athletes, improved oxygen utilization by muscles, and more. No NR study has been able to replicate these benefits.  

‍

Because of this industry-leading experts such as Dr. Sinclair, renowned author, biologist, and professor, advocate for supplementing with NMN rather than NR for best results.

‍

Benefits of NMN

‍

Because NMN is a precursor to NAD+, when improving your levels of NMN, the benefits are incredibly similar:

• Improved energy levels: NAD+ supports mitochondrial health, which are responsible for producing 90% of the body’s energy supply. Thus, boosting NAD+ levels, in turn, enhances energy levels.
• Elevated mood: Mitochondria support the body’s stress response and elevating your NAD+ levels can bolster a healthy stress response to everyday stressors, letting you enjoy an elevated mood.
• Enhanced cognition: Just as improved NAD+ levels can improve physical energy, this can improve mental energy, clarity, and focus.
• Reduced inflammation and chronic pain: Reduced and even eliminated inflammation and chronic pain is a common benefit of improving cellular function. When your cells can function optimally, they are able to alleviate such issues.
• Reversed signs of aging: Improving mitochondrial health can literally reverse cellular aging, which in turn reverses signs of aging such as wrinkles, low energy levels, brain fog, and more.

‍

Learn more about the benefits of NAD+ here

‍

Improving Your NAD+ Levels

‍

Although it is incredibly beneficial to supplement with NMN to boost your NAD+ levels, you can also increase your NAD+ supply with NAD+ Therapy.

‍

Nicknamed, “The Fountain of Youth,” NAD+ Drip Therapy is one of the most advanced protocols for anti-aging and detoxication methods available today. This is because NAD+ is able to directly recharge your mitochondria, empowering you to experience enhanced energy, mental clarity, athletic stamina, & more.

‍

Experience the mental and physical reboot you need with NAD+ Drip Therapy. To book your appointment, call or text us at: (310) 295-2075

‍

‍

Sources

Dollerup et al. (2018); 1000 mg for 3 and 6 weeks in Elhassan et al. (2019) and Remie et al. (2020).

https://renuebyscience.com/why-dr-sinclair-takes-nmn-instead-of-nr/